Boys tennis is in full swing in the Region and teams are pining to have an edge over one another. We invited coaches across the region to give us their early-season perspective and here’s what we learned.
Portage High School
The Portage Indians are a young team but have stellar leadership in senior Mickey Winicky. He will lead the way for the singles and Brian Garrison will lead the way for doubles. Zander Marcotte also looks to help the Indians. The Indians are coached by Scott Garrison.
“We’d like to see 50% or more improvement throughout the year on the younger players. We have solid leadership from the upperclassmen, and overall are trying to make Portage proud,” Garrison said.
Lake Central High School
The Lake Central Indians are a young team that looks to improve meet by meet. Head coach Ralph Holden knows that rebuilding is part of the process to improve for the next season.
“We have a very tough schedule and a team that lacks experience. We lost Our #1 Singles player last year, Andrew Walsh (a four-year starter at #1 singles) and our #1 Doubles team. I hope to have a record around the .500 mark. David Spriggs will be our most talented player on the team. He played #2 singles last year as a 9th grader. He plays a lot in the off season and has gotten better for this season,” Holden said.
Merrillville High School
Merrillville also will be rebuilding, having graduated six seniors. They are coached by Lonnie Wooden, who hopes to help the Pirates improve meet by meet.
“The team has worked hard all year and I am looking for a solid season,” Wooden said. “We are motivated to 3-peat! Sectional Champion is the goal.”
The Life Sites will have strong coverage of Sectionals and Regionals this year, so stay tuned to NWI.Life, Valpo.Life, Portage.Life, and LaPorteCounty.Life for the stories and photos!
Editor’s note: Don’t see your favorite school here? Have the coach email share@greatenews.life and we’ll include their insights, too!